In part two of our three-part series, Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy: Changes Through the Trimesters, Jennifer Smith and Tavia Vital share what to expect after conception.

They debunk common misconceptions and offer an honest look at what to expect now that you are expecting.

From the value of continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data to changing insulin needs, nausea, hypoglycemia, and DKA, Jenny and Tavia share their clinical and personal experiences with the adjustments needed for diabetes management throughout pregnancy.

MEET YOUR HOSTS:

Jennifer Smith, RD, LD, CDCES is the Director of Lifestyle and Nutrition for Integrated Diabetes Services. She is renowned for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes education, and athletic performance. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, Jennifer offers unique insight into day-to-day diabetes management, pregnancy, sports nutrition, and technology integration.

Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. Tavia is a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Trainer on most makes/models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Having lived with type one diabetes for over 40 years, she understands that each person’s experiences and needs are unique.

KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS:

✔️ Early pregnancy often brings a temporary insulin resistance spike, followed by a drop to as low as 1/3 of pre-pregnancy doses by roughly week 6–8.

✔️Hypoglycemia unawareness becomes more common in pregnancy — glucagon (including micro-dosing) and ketone strips should be on hand, not just "somewhere in a drawer."

✔️By third trimester, insulin needs can triple compared to pre-pregnancy doses.

✔️Ketone testing is advised any time insulin has been suspended for a while, after a suspected site/pump failure, or when glucose won't come down as expected — DKA can occur at lower glucose levels than the traditional teaching suggests.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 The Role of Technology in Diabetes Management

08:07 Finding the Right Tech Fit

14:44 Navigating the First Trimester

22:32 Dealing with Nausea

24:50 Hypoglycemia Unawareness

29:02 18-21Week Insulin Adjustments…Again.

31:47 The role of Protein in Pregnancy

35:01 The Third Trimester

39:12 Adjunct Pregnancy Therapies

40:38 DKA Risk During Pregnancy

44:11 The Conversations to Have With Your Healthcare Team During Your Pregnancy

RESOURCES:

Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy: Preconception Planning for a Healthy Pregnancy

https://youtu.be/o9LM3veYmiY

Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes: Your Month-to-Month Guide to Blood Sugar Management

Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes--The Book and The Authors

https://youtu.be/g2arb-bHSPg?si=Rk6gUmMdW5aOxDvl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7eimb20zcI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDPHdTAaT4o

CONNECT WITH US:

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook

🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/ or email info@integrateddiabetes.com

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Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.